Snap action switch having contact mounted on concavo-convex portion of snap blade



A. CAYO- f 3,261,936 HAV TACT MOUNTED O EX FOR July 19, 1966 A. SWITCH CON N O SNAP ACTION CONGAVO-CONV F'il F SNAP BLADE ed Dec. 22, 1964 v INVENTOR A/V6/T'A. C070 BY v I @Mzw Q ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,261,936 SNAP ACTION SWITCH HAVING CONTACT MOUNTED ON CONCAVO-CONVEX POR- TION 0F SNAP BLADE Alven A. Cayo, 241 W. May St., Benton Harbor, Mich. Filed Dec. 22, 1964, Ser. No. 420,462 19 Claims. (Cl. 200-67) This invention relates to snap action switches.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a snap action switch which is highly eflicient and is simple and economical to produce and which is durable in use.

Second, to provide a switch having these advantages which may be used in multiple as a plural circuit, sequence, or timer control for various uses where a timer control is utilized to make and break different circuits of an automatic machine and in which the timer control may be reversed manually without actuating any of the switches.

Third, to provide a switch assembly having these advantages which can make and break a single circuit or simultaneously make one circuit and break another with instant, positive non-vibratory contact.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a switch apparatus embodying my invention which includes motor driven control or actuating means, parts being shown in switch actuating position in full lines and in nonactuating position by dotted lines. Certain closed parts are shown by dotted lines.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal section on a line corresponding to line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view mainly in section on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the switch element, the supporting means and actuating means being omitted.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section on a line corresponding to line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modified form or embodiment of my invention, the switch element being shown in its open position and in section.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view mainly in vertical section on a line corresponding to line 77 of FIG. 6.

It is desired to point out that some of the structural details which form no part of this invention, for example the electrical connection to the switch elements, are shown conventionally and they could and probably would be considerably varied for different installations.

In the embodiment illustrated 1 represents a support member, only a fragment of which is illustrated but to which a body member 2 of the switch structure is secured as by means of the screws 3 which are also conventionally illustrated. The body 2 is formed of noncurrent conducting material and has a cylindrical chamber 4 therein provided with opposed grooves 5 extending longitudinally and disposed centrally thereof, the chamber being desirably of cylindrical cross section, as is illustrated, and being cylindrical facilitates the forming thereof in the body member. The body member may desirably be formed or molded of thermoplastic material.

As stated, the walls of the chamber are provided with oppositely disposed grooves 5 which are dimensioned to slidably and fittingly receive the inner portion of the switch member 6 which is desirably formed of sheet material. It is of relatively thin springably resilient stock or material and is of such width that it is slidably and supportingly engaged in the grooves 5 with portions thereof projecting substantially above the body member. The body member has a portion 7 which extends outwardly relative to the grooves and provides a stop limiting the flexing of the lower portion of the switch member while permitting opposite swinging movement of the top of the switch member.

As stated, the switch member is formed of relatively thin springably resilient electrically conducting sheet metal stock and has a springably resilient concavo convex portion 8 extending from edge to edge thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 4. This springably yieldable concavo convex portion has a central hole 9 which performs the function of supporting electrical contact means but the important feature is that the concavo convex portion is extruded from the body of the switch member to provide a flexing zone so that when the outer end of the switch member is actuated from its initial position, as indicated in the drawings, the concavo convex portion is sprung or flexed toward an opposite deflected position.

In the embodiment illustrated, the switch member is provided with a contact member 10 disposed through the hole 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the switch members 11 and 12 are in the form of screws threaded into the body member to project into the chamber 4 in alignment with the contact member 10 of the switch, the circuit members 13 being shown conventionally with the portion 14 thereof projecting into the body member 2 in coacting relation with the switch member 11. The conduit or circuit member 15 has a portion 16 projecting into the body member in coacting relation with the switch member 12, as is conventionally illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The circuit member 17 is supportingly mounted on the body member 2 and is connected to the switch member 6, as is conventionally illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be noted that the concavo convex portion 8 is stamped or pressed into the switch member and constitutes a unitary part thereof. Also, there are no openings or slits in the switch member other than the opening 9 in the concavo convex portion of the switch member. In the example illustrated, screw contact 11 stops contact 10 with the extruded portion 8 in the flat before reaching its reverse concavo convex position.

In the embodiment illustrated, when the switch member is actuated to engage the contact member 14, as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, these concavo convex portions of the switch member, in elfect, snappingly engage the switch member 14. When the switch member is in engaged position with the stop portion 7 of the body member the concavo convex portion snaps back to a position to engage the switch member 10 with the switch member 12. However, as stated, in some embodiments such, for example as is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, there is only one switch contact member but otherwise the structure is a substantial duplicate of that shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, I provide motor powered means for actuating the switch which is representative of a timing member. Thi embodiment includes the support or standard 18 which projects upwardly from the base member 1, being desirably positioned at one side of the body member 2. The support member or upright 18 has a motor 19 mounted on its outer end, the motor being conventionally illustrated. The motor is provided with a driving gear 24 which coacts with the switch actuating cam member 21 which is rotatably mounted on the journal 22 on the standard. The actuating cam has a gear 23 connected thereto and coacting with the driving gear 2%) on the motor shaft. In this embodiment the actuating cam member has two oppositely disposed cams 24 which, as the cam member is rotated, coac-ts with the nonmetallic arm or cam engaging portion 25 mounted on the outer end of the switch member 6. With the arrangement of parts the switch member is actuated in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 to alternatingly engage the relatively fixed contact members 10 and 11, as is indicated by full and dotted lines. It should be understood that multiple switch members may be mounted on the base with suitable wiring to their contacts and multiple cams connected to the timer to actuate the switches. The switch member may be and in some uses is manually manipulated.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 the switch contact member 12 is omitted. However, it should be understood that the switch member 6 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, except that it has only one contact member 26. As stated, switches embodying my invention are adapted for a wide variety of adaptations or uses but it does not seem necessary to illustrate such adaptations or uses. However, it is desired to stress that embodiments of my invention may be used for various purposes. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is primarily for a repeat signal device, that is, one in which the circuit is alternately on and off.

An important feature of the switch assembly is that raised portion 7 of the body member contacts the fiat side of the switch member above the extruded concavoconvex portion 8. This permits the timer shaft or cam to be reversed without actuating the switch or any of the switches associated therewith. Upon reverse swinging of any cam engaging portion 25, the associated switch member merely bends across the edge of the raised portion 7 without transmitting any flexing stress to the contact bearing concavo-convex portion 8. This action is particularly desirable where it is desired to repeat part of a preset cycle such as the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine.

I have illustrated and described my invention in a highly practical embodiment thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other possible modifications or embodiments as it is believed that the disclosure made will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material and having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch. member of relatively thin "springably resilient sheet metal stock of substantially uniform thickness and width from end to end thereof disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion of substantial length projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concave-convex portion extending from edge to edge thereof the edges of which are engaged in said grooves, said body member having a stop for said switch member extending outwardly at one side of said grooves, switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member with their inner ends projecting into said chamber substantially in alignment with the center of said concave-convex portion of said switch member, said switch member having switch contacts mounted thereon at the apex of said concavo-convex portion thereof, means for actuating said switch member comprising a support disposed to project outwardly from said body member disposed at one side of the projecting end of said switch member, an actuating cam rotatably mounted on said support, said switch member having a non-current conducting cam engaging portion on its outer end engageable by said cam as the cam is rotated, a motor supportedly mounted on said support member and having driving connections with said switch actuating cam, and electrical connections for said switch memher and said contact members mounted on said body member with which said switch member coacts.

2. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material and having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of relatively thin springably resilient sheet metal stock of substantially uniform thickness and width from end to end ther'eof disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion of substantial length projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable extruded concavo-convex portion extending from edge to edge thereof the edges of which are engaged in said grooves, said body member having a stop for said switch member extending outwardly at one side of said grooves, switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member with their inner ends projecting into said chamber substantially in alignment with the center of said concavo-convex portion of said switch member, said switch member having switch contacts mounted thereon at the apex of said concave-convex portion thereof, means for actuating said switch member comprising a support disposed to project outwardly from said body member disposed at one side of the projecting end of said switch member, and an actuating cam rotatably mounted on said support, said switch member having a non-current conducting cam engaging portion on its outer end engageable by said cam as the cam is rotated, and electrical connections for said switch member and said contact members mounted on said body member with which said switch member coacts.

3. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material and having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of relatively thin springably resilient sheet metal stock of substantially uniform thickness and width from end to end thereof disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion of substantial length projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable extruded concave-convex portion extending from edge to edge thereof the edges of which engaged in said grooves, said body member having a stop for said switch member extending outwardly at one side of said grooves, switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member with their inner ends projecting into said chamber substantially in alignment with the center of said concavo-convex portion of said switch member, said switch member having switch contacts mounted thereon at the apex of said concave-convex portion thereof, and means for actuating said switch member coacting with the projecting end thereof.

4. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof engaged in said grooves, said body member having a sto for said switch member, switch contact members disposed with their contact ends substantially in alignment with the center of said concavoconvex portion of said switch member, said switch member having a contact member engaged in the apex of said concavo-convex portion thereof, means for actuating said switch member comprising a rotatably actuating cam, said switch member having a non-current conducting cam engaging portion on its outer end engageable by said cam as the cam is rotated, and means for actuating said cam.

5. A switch assembly comprising a body memb'er of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavoconvex portion in the part thereof engaged in said grooves, and switch contact members disposed with their contact ends substan tially in alignment with the center of said concavo-convex portion of said switch member, said switch member having a contact mem-b'er engaged in the apex of said conca-vo-convex portion thereof.

6. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavoaconvex portion in the part thereof engaged in said grooves, said body member having .a stop for said switch member, switch contact members disposed with their contact ends substantially in alignment with the center of said concavoconvex portion of said switch member, means for actuating said switch member comprising a rotatably actuating cam, said switch member having a non-current conducting cam engaging portion on its outer end engageable by said cam as the cam is rotated, and means for actuating said cam.

7. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein open at its outer end, there being opposed grooves in the wall of the chamber extending longitudinally thereof, an elongated switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with said grooves and having an outer portion projecting outwardly from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concave-convex portion in the part thereof engaged in said grooves, and switch contact members disposed with their contact ends substantially in alignment with the center of said concavo-convex portion of said switch member.

8. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein, a switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with opposed portions of the wall of the chamber in said body member and having a portion projecting from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof engaged with said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one direction, said switch member having contact members supportedly mounted on said concavo-convex portion thereof, switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body memher in coacting relation to the contact members on said switch member, and means for repeatedly actuating said switch member coacting with the projecting end thereof.

9. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein, a switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with opposed portions of the wall of the chamber in said body member and having a portion projecting from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof engaged .with sa1d body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one direction, switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation to said switch member, and means for repeatedly actuating said switch member coacting with the projecting end thereof.

10. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein, a switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with opposed portions of the wall of the chamber in said body member and having a portion projecting from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof engaged with said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one direction, said switch member having contact members supportedly mounted on said concavo-convex portion thereof, and switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation to the contact members on said switch member.

11. A switch assembly comprising a body member of non-current conducting material having a chamber therein, a switch member of springably resilient material of substantially uniform thickness disposed with portions of its longitudinal edges in supported engagement with opposed portions of the wall of the chamber in said body member and having a portion projecting from said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof engaged with said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one direction, and switch contact members supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation to said switch member.

12. A switch assembly comprising a body member, a switch member of springably resilient material and of substantially uniform thickness from end to end thereof disposed with portions of its opposed edges in supported engagement with said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concavo-convex portion in the part thereof which is supportedly engaged with said body member, said switch member having a flexing portion projecting from said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch in one direction, said switch member having contact members supportedly mounted on said concavo-convex portion thereof, a switch contact member supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation with said switch member, and means for actuating said switch member operatively associated with the portion projecting from its said support means.

13. A switch assembly comprising a body member, a switch member of springably resilient material and of substantially uniform thickness from end to end thereof disposed with portions of its opposed edges in supported engagement with said body member, said switch member having a springably yieldable concave-convex portion in the part thereof which is supportedly engaged with said body member, said switch member having a flexing portion projecting from said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch in one direction, said switch member having contact members supportedly mounted on said concavo-convex portion thereof, and a switch contact member supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation with said switch member.

14. A switch assembly comprising a body member, a unitary switch member of springably resilient current conducting sheet material having opposed edge portions thereof disposed in supported engagement with said body member, said switch member having a concavo-convex offset in the portion thereof which is supportedly engaged with said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one direction, a switch contact member supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation with said switch member, and means for adjusting said switch member coacting with the projecting end thereof.

15. A switch assembly comprising a body member, a unitary switch member of springably resilient current conducting sheet material having opposed edge portions thereof disposed in supported engagement with said body member, said switch member having a concavo-convex offset in the portion thereof which is supportedly engaged with said body member, said body member having a stop limiting the movement of said switch member in one di rection, and a switch contact member supportedly mounted on said body member in coacting relation with said switch member.

16. A switch comprising a strip of flexiblev electrically conductive metal having an extruded and rounded concavo-convex portion formed therein intermediate its ends and extending to its side edges, insulating means rigidly supporting the edges of said strip along the sides of said concavo-convex portion with an end of said strip projecting beyond said rigidly supporting means, means engageable with said projecting end of said strip to bend the strip toward the convex side of the strip and flex said concave-convex portion toward oppositely projecting position, means forming an electrical connection to said strip, and electrical contact means insulated from said strip and positioned to be engaged by said concave-convex portion in one position thereof, said means engageable with the end of said strip being reversely engageable therewith, a stop engageable with said strip above and on the opposite side of said extruded portion limiting reverse bending of the strip to above said extruded portion whereby said reverse bending does not reverse said extruded portion.

17. A switch comprising a strip of flexible electrically conductive metal having an extruded and rounded concavo-convex portion formed therein intermediate its ends and extending to its side edges, means rigidly supporting the edges of said strip along the sides of said concavo- CID convex portion with an end of said strip projecting beyond said rigidly supporting means, means reversely engageable with said projecting end of said strip to bend the strip toward and away from the convex side of the strip and respectively flex said concavo-convex portion toward oppositely projecting position and bend said strip without flexing said extruded portion, and electrical contact means insulated from said strip and positioned to be engaged by said concavo-convex portion in one position thereof.

18. A switch comprising a strip of flexible material having an extruded concavo-convex rounded portion formed therein and flexible toward oppositely projecting position upon bending of the end of said strip in one direction only, means rigidly supporting the edges of said strip along the sides of said concavo-convex portion with an end of the strip extending bendably therebeyond, an electrical contact carried by the flexible center portion of said concavo-convex portion, means forming an electrical connection to said contact on said strip, electrical contact means engageable with said contact on said strip in one flexed position thereof, and means engageable with the end of said strip to bend the same in opposite directions.

19. A switch comprising a strip of flexible material having an extruded and stressed concavo-convex rounded portion formed therein and flexible toward oppositely projecting position upon bending of the end of said strip in one direction, means rigidly supporting the edges of said strip along the sides of said concave-convex portion with an end of the strip extending bendably therebeyond, an electrical contact carried by the flexible center portion of said concavo-convex portion, electrical contact means engage-able with said contact on said strip in one flexed position thereof, and means engageable with the end of said strip to bend the same.

No references cited.

RGBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

D. SMITH, JR., Assistant Examiner. 

3. A SWITCH ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A BODY MEMBER OF NON-CURRENT CONDUCTING MATERIAL AND HAVING A CHAMBER THEREIN OPEN AT ITS OUTER END, THERE BEING OPPOSED GROOVES IN THE WALL OF THE CHAMBER EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF, AN ELONGATED SWITCH MEMBER OF RELATIVELY THIN SPRINGABLY RESILIENT SHEET METAL STOCK OF SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM THICKNESS AND WIDTH FROM END TO END THEREOF DISPOSED WITH PORTIONS OF ITS LONGITUDINAL EDGES IN SUPPORTED ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID GROOVES AND HAVING AN OUTER PORTION OF SUBSTANTIAL LENGTH PROJECTING OUTWARDLY FROM SAID BODY MEMBER, SAID SWITCH MEMBER HAVING A SPRINGABLY YIELDABLE EXTRUDED CONCAVO-CONVEX PORTION EXTENDING FROM EDGE TO EDGE THEREOF THE EDGES OF WHICH ENGAGED IN SAID GROOVES, SAID BODY MEMBER HAVING A STOP FOR SAID SWITCH MEMBER EXTENDING OUTWARDLY AT ONE SIDE OF SAID GROOVES, SWITCH CONTACT MEMBERS SUPPORTEDLY MOUNTED NO SAID BODY MEMBER IN THEIR INNER ENDS PROJECTING INTO SAID CHAMBER SUBSTANTIALLY IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE CENTER OF SAID CONVACO-CONVEX PORTION THEREOF, AND SWITCH MEMBER HAVING SWITCH CONTACTS MOUNTED THEREON AT THE APEX OF SAID CONCAVO-CONVEX PORTION THEREOF, AND MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID SWITCH MEMBER COACTING WITH THE PROJECTING END THEREOF. 